RML modified Nissan LEAF AT-EV takes on the Mongol Rally

Wellingborough (UK) – 28th April 2017:

The RML Group modified Nissan LEAF will be the first all-electric car to enter the Mongol Rally. Starting out in the UK the AT-EV (All Terrain Electric Vehicle) will take on the 10,000 mile charity drive across the mountains, desert and steppe of Europe and Asia to Mongolia this July.

Specially modified by RML the vehicle is based on a standard 30kWh Nissan LEAF Acenta, which offers a range of up to 155 miles / 250km on a single charge however adjustments have been made to better equip the car for remote parts of the journey.

The RML Nissan LEAF AT-EV has been fitted with Speedline SL2 Marmora wheels and Maxsport RB3 narrow tyres, for better performance off road as well as welded plates to the underside of the wishbones, braided brake lines, mudflaps and a 6mm aluminium sump guard to add further protection from rough terrain.

The roof rack has been adapted to provide external storage and is fitted with a Lazer Triple-R 16 LED light bar to produce 16,400 lumens of supplementary low-voltage forward lighting during the remotest parts of the trip. The rear row of seats have been removed and a fire extinguisher and medical kit have also been integrated into the boot space.

As the Mongol Rally is not a timed race, driver Chris Ramsey, electric vehicle advocate and founder of Plug In Adventures plans to make regular stops along the way to promote the benefits of running an all-electric vehicle to residents of the countries he’s passing through.

“The Mongol Rally is our most challenging electric vehicle drive to date, but it’s one we’ve been planning for a number of years.

“Using a Nissan LEAF for this was an obvious decision. I’m very familiar with the car, it’s always been reliable and dependable for me, and it has the largest network of rapid charging options in Europe. As it will also accept a 240v Commando connection even in the remote areas when my fast-charge options are gone, I can still charge the battery and keep moving. This journey is about the travel experience though, not reaching the destination in a fast time. I can’t wait to get out on the road and introduce more people to the advantages of electric vehicles, whatever country they’re from!”

Michael Mallock, RML Chief Executive, said: “The RML Nissan LEAF has been a fantastic project for us. With a focus on engineering we’ve modified the car to take on all challenges it will face on the Mongol Rally. The project really highlights the future of electric vehicles. We wish all participants a safe and fun onward journey.”